Disconnect the brake line at the shock absorber. Remove the retaining clip and separate the brake hose from the shock absorber.

Disconnect the parking brake cable at the backing plate lever.

Remove the lower strut retaining bolt and hub carrier pivot bolt. To remove the pivot bolt, you first have to remove the castle nut and its cotter pin.

Remove the two upper strut retaining nuts and remove the strut from the vehicle.

To install, reverse the removal procedure. Be sure to install the top of the strut in the body first. After installation, bleed the brake lines (see
Brakes
).

2WD Wagon

Raise the rear of the vehicle and support is securely on stands. Remove the rear wheels.

Support the rear axle securely on a floor jack. On each side, remove the damper cover from inside the vehicle; then remove the self-locking nut. To remove the self-locking nut, use an Allen wrench to hold the shock absorber rod.

Lower the axle carefully until all spring pressure is released. Remove the self locking bolt from the lower end of the damper. Remove the damper assembly and the spring and upper spring seat above it.

To install:

Install the struts, first fit the upper spring seat into the frame. Install the spring and then the bolt fastening the lower strut to the axle. Just tighten the bolt slightly. Perform this step on both sides.

Fit the damper upper rubber mount into the body (on both sides). Then, carefully jack up the axle, making sure the damper shaft fits into the hole in the body far enough that you can install the self-locking retaining nut just far enough so that all threads are engaged. Carefully lower the vehicle.

Final tighten the self-locking bolts at the lower ends of the struts to 40 ft. lbs. and the self locking nuts on top to 16 ft. lbs. Install the damper covers.

OVERHAUL

See Figure 5

Use a coil spring compressor to disassemble the strut. When assembling the compressor onto the strut, the long studs should be installed so that they are flush with the bottom plate and also flush with the retaining nut on the top end. The adjustable plate in the center cup should be screwed all the way in.

Insert the strut in the compressor and compress the strut about 2 inch. Then remove the center retaining nut.

Fig. Fig. 5: Rear shock absorber assembly

Loosen the compressor and remove the strut.

Remove the top plate, rubber protector, spring and rubber bumper.

To assemble, reverse the removal procedure after checking the shock for oil leaks and all rubber parts for damage, wear or deterioration.